Explore charming towns during 48 hours in the Eastern Panhandle
Only 1.5 hours away from Washington, D.C., West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Full of historical sites and charming towns, the Eastern Panhandle is perfect for a 48-hour escape. Follow I-81 and start your trip in Almost Heaven:
Day 1
Start your trip with a visit to Harpers Ferry, a town full of history and museums in the Harpers Ferry National Historic Park. Visit the four-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail that runs through Harpers Ferry and get more information at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Visitor Center.
After hiking, walk through the streets of the historic town and grab lunch at White Horse Tavern.
After lunch, take the 20-minute drive to Shepherdstown. Begin with a visit to the Shepherdstown Museum. Once you’ve had your fill of history, shop the small businesses in Shepherdstown—try Dickinson and Wait Craft Gallery and O’Hurley’s General Store.
Head in for the night with a stay at the Bavarian Inn. While you’re there, enjoy the infinity pool that overlooks the Potomac River. For dinner, visit the Bavarian’s dining room and try German specialties like wienerschnitzel.
Day 2
Start your day with a drive to Martinsburg, where you can get breakfast at the Blue White Grill, which opened in 1941. Visit the West Virginia Glass Outlet, where you can buy glass from Blenko Glass Company and others. While you’re in town, visit the historic Martinsburg Roundhouse and Bell Boyd House.
Drive to Berkeley Springs, where you can grab lunch and coffee Fairfax Coffee House. After lunch, head to Berkeley Springs State Park. At the park, enjoy traditional bathhouses and outdoor pools supplied by warm spring water. Stop by George Washington’s Bathtub, where the first president was a regular visitor.
Finish your day with dinner at Lot 12 Public House, an upscale restaurant in a refurbished 1913 home. After dinner, stay stay at Cacapon Resort State Park’s lodge or cabins. Take advantage of the resort’s amenities, like nature trails and a seasonal beach.
More eastern panhandleThis post was last updated on March 1, 2022